Life Saver
Man Ray
American, 1890–1976
Details
Title
Life Saver
Artist/Maker
Man Ray (American, 1890–1976)
Date
1944
Medium
Cork, wood, metal, rubber, and candy
Dimensions
15 x 9 x 3 1/2 inches
Credit
Purchase with Fay and Barrett Howell Fund
Accession #
1985.118
Location
Currently not on view
Life Saver is the quintessential Surrealist object by artist Man Ray, who furthered Marcel Duchamp’s concept of the readymade by infusing his found objects with psychological potential. With its two upright forms, central body, and candy “eye,” Life Saver suggests a hybrid human form standing like a totemic sentinel over the dream world. Man Ray’s experimental work in photography—including solarizations, double exposures, and photograms (or “rayographs”)—was also highly influential among the Surrealists.
Image Copyright
© (c) 2019 Man Ray Trust/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris